Top storylines for the Panthers' big Sunday matchup vs. Saints

Top storylines for the Panthers' big Sunday matchup vs. Saints

If Sunday’s crucial matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints feels a bit familiar, that’s because it should.

On Dec. 8, 2013, these two rivals—both 9-3 and tied atop the NFC South—collided at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for a Week 14 showdown.

The host Saints would end up bludgeoning their guests that Sunday night, but it was the Panthers who earned the last laugh with a divisional title by season’s end.

Now, almost exactly four years later, Carolina and New Orleans will meet under nearly identical circumstances for another big-time showdown.

Here are five storylines to follow when the Panthers and Saints see each other again tomorrow.

1. Will the Panthers learn from their Week 3 loss?

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“All Saints” would be somewhat of an understatement to describe the first 2017 meeting between these teams, as New Orleans raided Bank of America Stadium and simply had its way with Carolina in a 34-13 win.

For the Panthers to avenge that embarrassing loss, they’ll have to play a much different game.

In that first meeting, the Panthers sacked quarterback Drew Brees just once, forced no turnovers and got absolutely denied through the air with just 156 passing yards and three interceptions. While a pair of somewhat sloppy defensive performances from Steve Wilks’ group over the last two outings can be a cause for concern, the emergence of wide receiver Devin Funchess and probable return of tight end Greg Olsen should make for a more viable offense.

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